Middle School

The Middle School Program at German International School

A German, Mandarin and English-based program for grades 6-8 launched in Fall 2023, headed by Bettina Gregg.

Since opening in 1995, GIS Portland has worked to build a strong community of administrators, educators, and supporters to bring a first-rate language immersion education to the Portland metro region. Building on that reputation, GIS will offer even more families an option in student-centered education for middle schoolers.

GIS will continue to offer small class sizes, hands-on learning, experienced teachers, and a multicultural environment with the following vision:

At GIS, we believe that by immersing students in the worlds of language and STEAM, they will become creative, innovative, and thoughtful problem solvers who approach challenges from diverse perspectives. By using our immediate surroundings as a foundation for teaching and learning, and by asking students to act locally, they will begin to see the direct impact their efforts can have. Through place-based learning and by prioritizing an integrated, experiential approach, students will develop practical inquiry and communication skills, deepen their respect for the environment, and gain a strong sense of responsibility as contributing members of a community.

Through interaction with local citizens and organizations, this approach will also enhance the surrounding community and environment that are important to the life of the school.

6th Grade Curriculum Overview (7th & 8th will be added at a later date)

This is a list of middle school classes, and the language each is taught in. 

Integrated Science (taught in German, Mandarin, or English)

Environmental Studies & Introduction to Research (taught in English)

Arts (taught in English)

Individuals & Societies, including social studies and language arts (taught in German, Mandarin, or English)

English

Math & Advanced Math (taught in German, Mandarin & English)

Applied Math & Data Literacy (taught in English) 

World Language (beginning Spanish, French, German & Mandarin)

P.E./Health (taught in English)

L.E.N.S., Life Essentials & Navigation Skills (taught in English)

Advisory (taught in English)

I.T., Coding & Design (taught in English)

Band (taught in English) 

Music Appreciation (taught in English)